Receptive to Sierra Leone's cry for help, the United Nations concluded an agreement with the Government of Sierra Leone establishing the Special Court for Sierra Leone (Special Court), mandated to try persons bearing the greatest responsibility for international crimes and certain domestic crimes committed within the country since November 30, 1996. The Special Court is the first modern international criminal tribunal located within the country where the prosecuted crimes were committed. It is also the first such tribunal that was created by a bilateral treaty, coexisted with a truth and reconciliation commission, has a far-reaching outreach program, and relies mostly on national staff.

The Court's geographical location and the national institutional support it receives facilitate the collection of physical evidence and the preparation of witnesses, increasing the efficiency of its process. These factors also provide the Court with an excellent opportunity to engage in local capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing its ability to leave behind a legacy.